Picture a romance-obsessed nerd who swapped library stacks for steamy love stories—meet Olivia Dade! This American author, once a librarian with a penchant for history, now crafts witty, heartfelt contemporary and futuristic romances that keep readers swooning. From her breakout Lovestruck Librarians series to her sci-fi tales as Olivia Dart, Dade’s charm lies in her authentic characters and playful humor, all written from the comfort of her pajamas.
With a master’s in American history and a career that spanned Colonial Williamsburg interpreter to high school teacher, Dade’s journey to romance novelist is as colorful as her stories. Her love for the genre, sparked by devouring every romance novel she could find, fuels her mission to deliver hope and laughter through love.
The Making of Olivia Dade
Born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, Olivia Dade grew up immersed in books, ignoring the world for tales of love and adventure. Her academic path led to an M.A. in American history, followed by eclectic jobs—think costumed interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg and librarian in Hagerstown, Maryland. These roles, while demanding “actual pants,” honed her storytelling skills and deepened her appreciation for the passionate, potty-mouthed librarians who inspired her signature series. Her shift to writing full-time came after years of balancing teaching, tutoring, and sneaking romance reads, culminating in her debut novel in 2016.
Olivia Dade’s Unforgettable Stories
Dade’s Lovestruck Librarians series, though currently out of print, remains a fan favorite for its fresh take on romance tropes. Broken Resolutions, the series opener, traps a shy librarian and a reclusive author in a New Year’s Eve library mixer, sparking fireworks. My Reckless Valentine follows bawdy librarian Angie Burrowes, who navigates a steamy fling with her new boss, blending humor and heart. Mayday delivers a second-chance romance between a nerdy librarian and a small-town mayor, praised for its relatable characters and witty banter. Driven to Distraction rounds out the series with Constance Chen, a bookmobile queen whose no-commitment stance clashes with her IT nemesis.
Beyond librarians, Dade’s Spoiler Alert series and There’s Something About Marysburg showcase her knack for diverse, relatable heroines—think plus-size leads and quirky intellectuals. Writing as Olivia Dart, she ventures into futuristic romance, proving her versatility. Her style, marked by snort-worthy humor, steamy yet awkward love scenes, and strong female friendships, celebrates love in all its messy, joyful forms.
Why Olivia Dade Matters
Olivia Dade’s impact lies in her defiance of stereotypes. Her librarians aren’t prim—they’re bold, funny, and unapologetically human, challenging the genre’s norms. By crafting diverse heroines, from impulsive Angie to plus-size Helen, she ensures every reader sees themselves in her stories. Her work, lauded for its emotional depth and inclusivity, offers escapism grounded in real-world struggles, resonating with fans who find hope in her happy endings. Dade’s move to Stockholm, where she lives with her family, hasn’t dimmed her influence; her stories continue to spark joy worldwide.
- Born: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
- Key Works: Lovestruck Librarians, Spoiler Alert, All the Feels
- Fun Fact: Writes sci-fi romance as Olivia Dart
- Current Home: Outside Stockholm, Sweden
Snag My Reckless Valentine or dive into Spoiler Alert for a dose of Olivia Dade’s irresistible wit and romance!